External Affairs Minister Jaishankar emphasized the need for mutual respect and regional collaboration during SCO Summit 2024 in Pakistan.
SCO Summit 2024: External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, highlighted the importance of territorial integrity and regional cooperation.
This visit marks the first time an Indian foreign minister has visited Pakistan since Sushma Swaraj’s tour in 2015.
Jaishankar arrived at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan Airbase on Tuesday, where he was warmly welcomed by Ilyas Mehmood Nizami, Director General of South Asia, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Focus on Trade and Economic Growth
The two-day meeting, chaired by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, focused on strengthening trade and economic cooperation among SCO member states.
Jaishankar, addressing the gathering, stated that cross-border terrorism and extremism impede progress in these areas.
He urged member states to engage in genuine partnerships built on mutual respect rather than unilateral agendas.
Global Challenges Addressed
Jaishankar also drew attention to ongoing global conflicts, including those in Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine, as well as the economic disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He noted that the world faces numerous challenges, including extreme climate events, financial volatility, and rising debt concerns. He asked SCO members to strategize on how to navigate these issues while fostering regional cooperation.
Sharif Advocates for BRI Expansion
In his opening remarks, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Sharif advocated for expanding China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), emphasizing that projects like CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) would bolster regional connectivity.
Sharif expressed optimism about the outcomes of the SCO summit, noting its role in advancing cooperation in infrastructure, tourism, and poverty alleviation across the region.
